A group of 25 retired Republicans in Michigan have banded together to join the fight against the state’s same-sex marriage ban, coauthoring a 40-page amicus brief in which they tackle arguments commonly used to defend the ban.

Which is fantastic. Makes me wish there was a time when these brave leaders had the opportunity to affect change at an even more direct level.

Like, say, when they were in office?

Still despite the all too familiar “out of office so now I can finally be a human” vibe to this story, any time a bunch of flag-flying Republicans say something like this it’s a good thing:

“There is no legitimate, fact based justification for different legal treatment of committed relationships between same- sex couples.”

So not only do these guys support the gays all of a sudden, but they’re suddenly against arguments that aren’t fact based?!

That’s some parallel universe Twilight Zone business happening.

The group includes both members of the federal and Michigan state Houses of Representatives, senior party officials, strategists and staffers, with standouts including former state House speaker Rick Johnson and former majority floor leader of the state House Christopher Ward.

Michigan used to be a land of real republicans. Some of whom are speaking out now. We were about common sense. There was real reaching across party lines and getting things done. I just moved back here after 23yrs on the east coast and believe me a lot of the old timer Repubs here really dislike and are ashamed of the new GOP. I myself am more of a Liberal but was just shocked at what happened to to R party here. Many of my friends are repubs who refuse to vote for the GOP. Believe it or not there are good ones. They just need a stronger voice and get their party back.

Jun 21, 2014 at 1:00 am · @Reply ·

BJ McFrisky

@DickieJohnson: Wondering if you think it was also “too little, too late” when Democratic W.V. Senator Byrd apologized for once being a Klansman. I think most would agree the hypocrisy of being a Democratic Klansman is downright criminal compared to conservatives against gay marriage. Not that I’m accusing you of jumping on Queerty’s I-hate-hate-HATE-Republicans bandwagon, just wondering.

@BJ McFrisky: Byrd was dispicable. My point is, why didn’t the 25 do/say something when in office, with more direct influence? And, I don’t hate Repubs, rather merely consider them bigoted, ignorant, d*cksh*ts for continuing to discriminate against me, and my kind, because we’re homosexual. That isn’t hate, it’s extreme disdain. You’re on that list, as well, because you always come to their rescue when criticised. You enjoy bickering.

Jun 21, 2014 at 3:47 pm · @Reply ·

James Hart

I don’t think that this will change anything. Since the early 1970s, the GOP has needed the cultural/religious conservatives to get elected because the GOP’s economic policies are so odious to most of “middle” America. Therefore, in order to win elections, the GOP has needed to do something to entice middle and working class Americans to vote for them. The GOP has used the cultural issues (abortion, gay marriage, etc.) to get those votes. If the GOP drops the cultural/religious issues from their platform, culturally and religiously conservative Americans will no longer want to vote for GOP candidates because their economic interests are best represented by the Democrats. Culturally and religiously conservative Americans, who tend to be poorer, need the very “big” government programs (Social Security, Medicare, etc.) which the libertarian Republicans want to cut. Therefore, a “libertarian” Republican Party will perish VERY, VERY quickly. And that’s why the GOP still assiduously caters to cultural/religious conservatives: Because it must, in order to remain viable.

Jun 22, 2014 at 3:15 am · @Reply ·

EGO

As more Americans become informed about the real LGBT community as being good productive people they will join the rest of us. If the GOP wants to continue to be a major party they will have to drop the outdated cultural/religious speculations and focus more on civil issues and improving the economy. These are the important ones that help keep America strong.

Jun 22, 2014 at 12:06 pm · @Reply ·

James Hart

@EGO: If they drop the “outdated cultural/religious speculations,” then who is left among their constituents: A bunch of libertarian fat cats and CEOs??? That’s not enough to win elections.

Jun 22, 2014 at 3:02 pm · @Reply ·

manjoguy

“…all of a sudden..”, just like Obama when he first was against gay marriage and then, Shazam!, he’s for gay marriage. I believe he said he “evolved” on the issue. I guess “evolvement” can happen when you’re in office or out.

Jun 23, 2014 at 6:46 am · @Reply ·

Cam

@BJ McFrisky: said… “Wondering if you think it was also “too little, too late” when Democratic W.V. Senator Byrd apologized for once being a Klansman.”

1. Yes, it was too late, but on the other side, at least he said something while he was still in office.

2. Once again, your attempt is to always excuse the GOP anti-gay behavior. I notice you did not say anything except desperately trying to turn the conversation over to Byrd which was a different topic all together.

3. Notice how it’s ONLY the republicans who are not in office in Mi making these comments? Their comment was right on.

A knee jerk response to defend the GOP in all things again. Predictable.